OZschwitz slave pen: Study of Holocaust mandated for schools

THE study of the Holocaust will become compulsory for all NSW school students in years 9 and 10 after the Jewish Board of Deputies lobbied the state government for the curriculum change.

The chief executive of the board, Vic Alhadeff, confirmed he lobbied the Board of Studies and Department of Education for the change up until a month ago and commended them for the decision.

''I have been meeting with [the] Board of Studies and Department of Education for some time to discuss the notion that the Holocaust should be compulsory up to year 10,'' he said. ''Throughout our discussions, the leaders of both organisations have been extremely supportive of the principle of making Holocaust education mandatory. Our discussions have been very positive.''

Mr Alhadeff said he had raised the issue with the former state Labor government without success. The Holocaust has had a presence in the junior high school syllabus but was optional.